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2012 volvo s60 Reviews and News

Volvo could have stood pat with the S60 and no one would have blinked an eye. A year ago, the Swedish company introduced the long-awaited redesign of its mid-level sedan, which exhibited such impressive handling characteristics and refined styling that we named it to our 2011 All-Stars roster. The success of the S60 has been the primary factor driving increased sales for Volvo, which are up 28 percent over a year ago.

The automaker is not going to rest on its laurels, however, as it looks to further expand its market by appealing to enthusiast buyers. So for 2012, Volvo is introducing the S60 T6 AWD R-Design.

What makes it different
Visually, the exterior of the R-Design is differentiated from the S60 T5 and T6 by its redesigned lower front fascia, black grille, rear trunk spoiler, and five-spoke diamond-cut eighteen-inch wheels. In the cabin are special sport seats upholstered in off-black leather with contrasting stitching and an embossed R-Design logo, a sport steering wheel, sport pedals, and blue-rimmed tachometer and speedometer gauges.

The most important changes to the S60 R-Design are under the hood, however.

Starting with the turbocharged in-line six from the S60 T6, Volvo engineers -- in partnership with Polestar, a Swedish racing and performance parts company -- modified the engine control module to optimize output, adding boost, advancing the spark timing, and recalibrating the throttle to enhance performance. The result is an eight percent increase in horsepower (from 300 to 325 hp) and a nine percent increase in torque (from 325 to 354 lb-ft), making the S60 R-Design the most powerful production Volvo ever built. Volvo engineers also went to work on the chassis to enhance the S60's ride and handling. Changes include stiffer springs , monotube rear dampers, a front strut brace, and a larger-diameter front antiroll bar.

Ride and handling
At moderate speeds, the S60 R-Design is a refined cruiser, with a comfortable ride despite its firmer suspension. Push it a little on curvy mountain roads, however, and the tweaked in-line six, whose power is delivered via a six-speed automatic with an available Sport mode, responds immediately to throttle inputs even as the car's body motions remain well balanced.

We were able to put in some laps at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California, where the R-Design's chassis performed admirably on the 3.0-mile track, which features several elevation changes and some tricky, off-camber corners. All-wheel drive and the Corner Traction Control torque vectoring system, in which the inner wheel is braked as more power is fed to the outer wheel, quells understeer while allowing the driver to take corners more aggressively.

What is its mission?
While the S60 R-Design performed admirably at the track, Volvo admits that it isn't really a track car. For one thing, the brakes, which are unchanged from those on the regular S60, become quite soft as they heat up under hard braking. You'll never mistake the S60 R-Design for a BMW M3, but then again, Volvo doesn't expect you to. Instead, they liken it to a BMW 335i xDrive with the M sport package or an Audi S4, both of which are exceptionally capable cars but not necessarily track-day toys.

Volvo is a brand that has largely appealed to female buyers, due in large part to its reputation for safety. But the S60 has seen that change, with 59 percent of its current buyers being male. Volvo hopes to skew its sales to men even further with the pumped-up S60 R-Design. Volvo is looking to sell between 1000 and 1200 R-Design S60s per year, about 5 percent of the overall S60 sales mix.

Availability
The 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design is on sale at dealerships now and comes equipped with the City Safety crash avoidance system and a stellar five-year maintenance plan that includes everything from roadside assistance to wear and tear items such as brakes and battery. Pricing starts at a reasonable $43,375, including destination.

Last year, Volvo surprised and delighted us with an all-new S60, which challenges the class leaders on refinement and handling. For 2012 the model line has been fleshed out with a new base model and a performance version to bracket the T6. The base front-wheel-drive T5 shares the turbocharged five-cylinder found in the C70 and the C30, but here it has been tweaked to make 250 hp. The all-wheel-drive T6 introduced last year is powered by Volvo's well-regarded 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder making 300 hp. Topping the S60 range is the T6 R-Design, which shares the all-wheel-drive layout and six-cylinder engine of the T6 but has tweaks to the engine and the suspension that raise power to 325 hp and give the S60 a sportier mien. All three models come with a six-speed automatic as the only transmission. Regardless of which S60 you choose, you will find a superbly executed interior with an aesthetically pleasing center console, a wealth of premium soft-touch materials, and artfully designed trim. The exterior is equally fetching, as the S60 carries on the modern Volvo design aesthetic that was first seen in the original S80 and has proliferated throughout the lineup. With the S60, Volvo has managed to carve out a distinct product in an impossibly crowded field, and it holds its own, in both value and performance, with the best cars in the segment.

Following the roof crash test in 2010, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is adding yet another strict test to the Top Safety Pick award criteria: a revised frontal crash test. After evaluating a handful of new vehicles, the Volvo S60 and Acura TL earned good ratings in the new test.

Volvo has been busy lately, announcing all-new four-cylinder engines, and sophisticated safety features in future models, but a company executive has hinted the Swedish automaker it is thinking about bringing the Polestar Volvo S60 to production, and also bring about a tuned version of the new V40 hatchback.

At the ripe age of three, the current Volvo S60 sedan isn’t quite ready for an exhaustive makeover, but Volvo is tweaking the standard equipment levels while applying a modest price increase to boot.
The 2013 S60 T5, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five-cylinder, gets a small infusion of speed: while the car is still rated at 250 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, engineers turned up the engine's compression ratio and increased the turbo boost to increase low-end power. The result is a 6.4-second 0-60 mph time, a decrease of 0.4 seconds. The car also gets standard automatic windshield wipers, headlight washers, and dual exhaust pipes, and two new colors: ember black metallic and electric silver metallic. Volvo also bumped the T5's price by $470, which means the most basic S60 will cost you $32,645 including $895 destination charge.
The S60's most major changes went to the T6 AWD mid-level model, however. That car gets the same standard wipers and headlight washers as the T5, but it also gets a standard power passenger's seat, standard keyless entry and ignition, and a standard power moonroof. All of this standard equipment meant a larger-than-usual price bump: the 2013 S60 T6 AWD starts at $41,345, $2020 more than before.
Because those options were previously part of the climate and premium packages, Volvo shifted the options packages and removed the premium and multimedia packages. If you'd like your S60 to come with Volvo's navigation system, you'll have to go with the top-spec platinum trim level, which includes active xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a premium sound system, and a rear-view camera.
The R-Design, meanwhile, gets the same standard equipment upgrades as the T6 but adds larger brakes: the front brake disc diameter's been increased from 12.4 to 13.2 inches, which should help the 325-horsepower sedan slow down a little bit better. Inside, the Sensus infotainment system gets slightly better steering wheel controls, and the gearshift knob has been redesigned. The 2013 S60 R-Designwill start at $44,795, which is an increase of $970 over last year’s car.
As always, the S60 has a rash of available safety features: the technology package adds adaptive cruise control, City Safety (which combines collision warnings, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking), lane departure warnings, a road sign information display system, and driver alertness warnings.
Source: Volvo

After skipping the 2010 model year, Volvo's wallflower, middle-child sedan, the S60, reemerged for 2011 wearing shapely new sheetmetal and a freshly honed set of dynamic skills. The S60 took many staffers by surprise at our 2011 All-Stars test and ended up as one of the dark-horse candidates to win an award. Its profile suddenly raised, the S60 became an obvious candidate for a closer, yearlong look.

Forget any stereotypes about safe, pedestrian vehicles: this Volvo S60 can hit 186 mph. As was promised, Swedish tuning company Polestar has released its concept version of a high-performance Volvo S60 variant.

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:10

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 28, 2011. THE MALE PART OF THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR END SHAPE WAS PRODUCED WITH DIMENSIONS OUT OF SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESSIVE ASSEMBLY FORCE ON THE FEMALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE LOCKING FUNCTION MAY NOT BE ENGAGED.

Consequences

IF A VEHICLE EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION, THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR MAY DETACH AND THE ENGINE MAY STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CUSTOMER MAY ALSO NOTICE A FUEL SMELL AND LEAKAGE. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

Potential Units Affected

448

Notes

VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:11

Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.

Consequences

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

Potential Units Affected

20,611

Notes

VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:10

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2010, THROUGH MAY 5, 2011. THE SOFTWARE FOR THE FUEL PUMP UNITS MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL FUEL PUMPS AND COMPONENTS RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT FUEL TRANSFER IN THE PUMP UNIT.

Consequences

UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE MAY BE ENGINE HESITATION AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES UP TO 1/4 OF THE FUEL IS LEFT IN THE TANK. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

Potential Units Affected

8,179

Notes

VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:20

Component

STRUCTURE:BODY

Summary

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 AND XC60 PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT MIXTURE OF UNDERBODY COATING AND OVER-APPLICATION CAN RESULT IN RIGID, ICICLE-LIKE AREAS HANGING FROM VEHICLE¿S UNDERCARRIAGE.

Consequences

IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND IF EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY COATING IS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AREA, IT WILL BE REMOVED. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT THE FUEL LINES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPLACED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.

Potential Units Affected

2,742

Notes

VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:20

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Summary

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60, XC60, S80 AND XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 16, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 6, 2011. IN THESE VEHICLES, THE WIRE HARNESS UNDER THE FRONT SEATS MAY HAVE NOT BEEN ATTACHED PROPERLY TO THE SEAT FRAME. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE SEATS ARE MOVED TO ADJUST THE SEATING POSITION, THE WIRE HARNESS MAY GET PULLED, CAUSING IT TO DISCONNECT.

Consequences

IN THE EVENT OF CRASH, THE FRONT AND/OR SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY IMPROPERLY OR NOT AT ALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. ALSO, THE LAP BELT PRETENSIONER MAY NOT DEPLOY.

Remedy

VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SECURE THE SEAT WIRE HARNESS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

Potential Units Affected

32,552

Notes

VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:31

Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Summary

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S60 vehicles manufactured June 22, 2010, through May 14, 2012, and equipped with 5-cylinder B5254T5 (VIN code 62) engines. In the affected vehicles, the vehicle may not alert the driver of a low oil pressure situation.

Consequences

Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.